Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Pre-clinical Pharmacology (Neuroscience & Metabolism)

Manifold Bio is a platform biotechnology company pioneering AI-guided protein design and massively multiplexed in vivo screening to unlock tissue-targeted medicines and organism-scale models of living systems. Using proprietary molecular barcoding technology, we screen hundreds of thousands of protein designs simultaneously in living systems, producing in vivo-validated datasets at a scale no one else can match. The datasets power our computational models, which leads to better drug designs, creating a flywheel that gets stronger with every campaign. Our team of protein engineers, biologists, and computational scientists works across this full stack to pursue programs both internally and with leading pharma companies.

Position

We are seeking a PhD-level scientist to run preclinical pharmacology and target validation studies for our neuroscience and metabolic programs, with a focus on siRNA and oligonucleotide therapeutics. This is a hands-on lab role. You will execute vivo studies, run the downstream assays that show whether a target is engaged and a therapeutic is working, and turn that data into clear answers for the team. Our work centers on neurodegenerative diseases, obesity and cardiometabolic disease across adipose, liver, and heart, with some programs touching the neural regulation of energy balance

You’ll join a team that moves with the speed and conviction of a biotech, working closely with discovery, translational, and external partners to advance novel therapeutics. We will consider candidates at the Scientist or Senior Scientist level, depending on experience.

Responsibilities

- Design, execute, interpret, and communicate preclinical pharmacology studies, providing clear recommendations that inform program progression.

- Design mechanism-of-action studies and build target-validation packages.

- Establish, validate, and optimize fit-for-purpose metabolic and disease models with defined milestones and reproducibility criteria.

- Evaluate efficacy, target engagement, and pharmacodynamic response of novel therapeutics.

- Integrate efficacy, exposure, and PK/PD data to define exposure–response relationships and recommend next experiments.

- Develop translational strategies that connect central and peripheral target biology, biomarkers, and disease-relevant outcomes to support candidate selection and IND-enabling decisions.

- Present data and recommendations to senior leadership, and write technical reports, publications, and contributions to regulatory documents.

- Identify and manage CRO partnerships and academic and biotech collaborations.

- Maintain rigorous documentation and help build a strong culture of data quality and scientific integrity.

- Support hands-on study work as needed, working flexibly across the research team.

Technical Expertise

- Gene expression: RNA extraction, qPCR, and RNA-seq from tissues such as adipose, liver, and brain, interpreted alongside protein measurements.

- Biomarkers: protein and molecular assays (ELISA, MSD, hormone and cytokine panels) to measure metabolic hormones and pathway modulation.

- Receptor pharmacology: cellular assays and in vitro models supporting nervous-system drug discovery.

- Metabolic phenotyping: indirect calorimetry, food intake and feeding behavior, body composition, body temperature monitoring, and glucose and insulin tolerance tests.

- Adipose biology: thermogenic activation, browning, and tissue remodeling.

- Neuroanatomy and imaging: rodent brain processing with attention to neuroanatomical structure, IF/IHC staining in brain and peripheral tissues, automated staining and slide-scanning workflows, and quantitative image analysis.

Required Qualifications

- PhD in Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Endocrinology, Biology, or a related field.

- Scientist: Recent PhD or postdoc with at least 1+ years of industry

- Senior Scientist: 4–6+ years of pharma or biotech drug discovery experience, including leading independent research or serving as pharmacology lead on cross-functional teams.

- Demonstrated expertise in central and peripheral regulation of energy balance.

- Experience developing animal, ex vivo, and in vitro models.

- Strong grounding in experimental design, reproducibility, and data integrity.

- Excellent scientific communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

- Expertise in receptor pharmacology and nervous-system drug discovery.

- Working knowledge of PK/PD, bioanalysis, pathology, and translational science.

- Experience with more than one therapeutic modality (peptides, small molecules, antibodies, oligonucleotides, or gene-based approaches).

- Experience managing CROs and external collaborations.

- Experience mentoring scientists and working in matrixed teams.

- Experience contributing to IND-enabling packages or regulatory documents.

- Hands-on experience with IV, SC, IP, and PO dosing, blood and tissue sampling, and necropsy.

Base Salary Range: $120,000-$160,000

This reflects the typical offer range for this role, based on experience, role scope, and internal equity. Final compensation decisions are made using a consistent leveling framework and consider the candidate’s experience, interview performance, and expected impact.

This role is eligible for:

- Annual performance-based target bonus

- Stock options

- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

- 401(k) plan

- Flexible paid time off and holidays

- Perks including on-site gym, onsite lunch, and commuter support

Our compensation ranges are reviewed annually to ensure alignment with market trends and internal equity.

We value different experiences and ways of thinking and believe the most talented teams are built by bringing together people of diverse cultures, genders, and backgrounds.